The Shekhawati Festival held on I0th and 11th February every
year is organised jointly by the State Department of Tourism, District
administration of Sikar,Jhunjhunu
and Churu, and the M.R. Morarka- GDC Rural
Research Foundation.

Shekhawati,
already famous for its frescoes, is fast becoming a rural tourism
destination too. Travelling on horse back, the tourists get a closer view
of the countryside and the people. And they return with an indelible
imprint of not only the friendliness of the people but also of the
agricultural revolution sweeping the villages -- the region now exports 80
per cent of its crops whereas only a few years ago, it could meet only 10
per cent of its requirement through local production.

For a broad-based discovery of Shekhawati's culture, the festival is
spread over a number of venues - Nawalgarh,
Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The programmes include a one day tour of the
region, camel and jeep safaris, farm visits, rural games, cultural
programmes, havelis competitions and fireworks.

The driving force behind this festival, the M.R. Morarka - GDC Rural
Research Foundation, has pioneered integrated rural development since 1993
and has identified tourism as a thrust area for creation of employment
opportunities. The festival and other efforts of the foundation have
convinced the haveli owners of the need to preserve their priceless
heritage of frescoes.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Jaipur is the nearest airport, 142-km away. Rail: There is a railway station at Nawalgarh and is well
connected to the surrounding areas by train. Road: Jaipur is 142-kms from Nawalgarh by road. Local Transport: Jeeps and auto rickshaws are availabe for within
the city commutation.